The latest edition of the Franklin‑Fulton baseball spotlight invites the community to choose its 2026 Player of the Year, a fan‑driven honor that celebrates the region’s rising talent.
A Season of Promise
The list reads like a who’s who of local baseball, each name attached to a story of dedication that began long before the first pitch of the season.
From the fields of Greencastle‑Antrim to the diamonds of Chambersburg, a dozen high school standouts have turned heads with performances that blend power, precision and poise.
Mound Masters
On the mound, senior ace John Kahl of Waynesboro posted a 2.48 ERA and 68 strikeouts, while Ryder Linn of Greencastle‑Antrim went 8‑1 with a 1.74 ERA and 49 strikeouts. Ryne Mills of Chambersburg added a perfect 10‑0 record with a 1.24 ERA, and Brady Truett contributed a 4‑2 mark and a 1.19 ERA, underscoring a deep pitching well that helped teams chase conference titles.
Their efforts have turned the regular season into a showcase of resilience, delivering clutch outings that kept playoff hopes alive.
Bats That Speak
At the plate, Cam Rakaczewski of Greencastle‑Antrim led the way with a .462 average, 34 RBIs and 17 stolen bases, while Ryan Jenkins of Waynesboro posted a .476 average, four home runs and 33 RBIs. Avery Horst of Greencastle‑Antrim combined a .407 average with nine doubles and 33 RBIs, and Rylan Nichols of Waynesboro added a .426 average, five homers and 30 RBIs. Kaden Marpoe of McConnellsburg contributed a .339 average and 17 RBIs, and Brady Maciejewski of Shippensburg hit .421 with a home run and 16 RBIs.
Even the younger arms and bats, such as Keaton Shands of Shalom Christian and Drake Wenger, posted impressive numbers, hinting at a deep talent pool that will shape the next generation of local baseball.
The Vote
With the nominees now public, readers can cast their ballots online, shaping a narrative that will be celebrated at season’s end. The vote not only crowns a player but also highlights the community’s investment in high school sports.